Disclosure Policy

June 18, 2010

In her first book, Trish Ryan chronicled the ways in which finding faith lead her to the happily-ever-after ending that had eluded her for so long. Only it wasn't an ending. It was a beginning.

In A MAZE OF GRACE, Ryan picks up where she left off, sharing the early years of her marriage, and the challenges that both shaped and startled her: temptations regarding fidelity, the anxiety of shifting body image, the awkward nature of following Jesus in a decidedly secular family and city, and struggles (depression, trying to conceive) that made her wonder if God had lost her file.

With appealing candor, Ryan sweeps the reader into her life and ponders questions and issues that we all face, dropping nuggets of wisdom along the way that are sure to inspire, encourage and help readers from all walks of life.

1.) In A Maze of Grace, Trish discusses how her “Happily Ever After” played out
differently than she expected, sometimes in good, bad, or surprising ways. Are you
living your "Happily Ever After"? What does it look like for you?

2.) In the introduction, Trish says that one of the best parts of her faith is that it allows
do-overs. What is your experience with second chances?

3.) Trish was excited to share the mundane aspects of marriage with her new husband:
clogged sinks & burnt meatloaf. What do (or did) you envision marriage to be like?

4.) "GIRL—you’ve got to give that man some SEX!" was the best advice Trish and
Steve received in their newlywed year. What’s your reaction to this advice?

5.) A situation with an attractive female coworker at Steve's work caused Trish
concern. Do you agree with her caution?

6.) Trish describes a point in her marriage where it felt as if she and Steve had become
“more like casual roommates than lovers.” Have you felt this way in a relationship? Is it
inevitable, or something to push back against?

7.) Trish's friends Helena and Jasper shared how their marriage was damaged by an
affair. After months of prayer and healing, they made it through to a wonderful
restoration of their family. Have you ever been betrayed? Do you believe restoration is
possible?

8.) Trish’s inability to get pregnant raised questions about whether God really listened
or cared about her. Have you had a situation where you felt hopeless and abandoned
by God? How did you handle it? What gave you hope?

9.) In moments of frustration and doubt in life, do you look for answers in a specific
place, as Trish looked for them in books? What do you find?

10.) Trish describes 'Acedia' as the evil spirit akin to depression that assaulted her
during dark times in her life. Have you experienced similar dark times? How did you
handle them?

11.) Trish is surprised to find herself agreeing with Lori Gottlieb’s rally cry that women
stop being so picky and “Marry That Man”...But with a caveat. What are your criteria
for choosing a mate? How realistic are they? Does faith play a role?

12.) As Trish faced hard realities amidst her 'Happily Ever After', she saw 'glimpses of
grace'. Do you get glimpses of grace in your life? She says that even in hard times,
God's voice can be heard, and hope can be found. Do you agree? Why or why not?

13.) In the beginning of her book Trish asks to be encouraged by her story. What were
your thoughts as you finished the book?

14.) At the end of her book, Trish shares four words she heard at a friend’s wedding:
Prayer Works. Love wins. What strikes you about this perspective?

3 of my readers a copy of this book
Open to residents of the US and Canada
Cannot mail to a P.O. Box
The book(s) will be mailed out by the publisher

THE WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN AND CONTACTED.
**Must leave an email address in comment or must be visible in blogger profile**

Winners will be chosen June 26th and notified via email. The winners will have 48 hours to send me their mailing info or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% mine. If you purchase a book using my Amazon or Barnes and Noble link, I will receive a small portion of the purchase price.

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